Description
CD14 is a single-copy gene encoding 2 protein forms: a 50- to 55 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein (mCD14) and a monocyte or liver-derived soluble serum protein (sCD14) that lacks the anchor. This gene is located at bands 5q23-q31. The protein encoded by this gene is a surface antigen that is preferentially expressed on monocytes/macrophages. CD14 acts as a co-receptor (along with the Toll-like receptor TLR 4 and MD-2) for the detection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CD14 can bind LPS only in the presence of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Although LPS is considered its main ligand, CD14 also recognizes other pathogen-associated molecular patterns